Prior-Enlisted to Cadet at Air Force Academy LEAD Program
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- This Video is to help point potential future prior-enlisted Airmen toward the Air Force Academy application process with some insight.
LEAD Doc: www.academyadmissions.com/wp-...
Reddit: / the_lead_program_appli...
Admissions Portal: admissions.usafa.edu/gateway/...
Comments any questions you have and I'll try to get back ASAP.
Lot’s of processes to get accepted. If you can’t meet SAT/ACT standards, the prep school is the way to go. You get paid , you get schooled and upon graduation an automatic appointment. The composition is composed of academic standards, athletes and enlisted. When I attended in the 70’s, we graduated maybe 50%. Out of those 50% maybe 30% crossed the finish line. I knew all my preppie classmates because we had so few. Prior enlisted is not viewed negatively. It helps immensely with providing maturity for your class. 78 Preppie, 82 Grad.
prior enlisted here, did 3 years active duty, got a direct appointment, and i start basic in about a week. i watched your video last year before the application process started and now im watching it again because im feeling anxious lol. hopefully i come out as a pilot too. i’ll report back in 4 years🫡
Hey how hard was it to get in as a prior enlisted. I have hopes of going enlisted and getting admitted
thank you for making this video!!
This video was great. Everything I needed to hear!
Glad you liked it, you can always ask questions and I'll answer them to my best.
Ended up going to FT Rucker to fly the Huey for the AF. My wife and I picked up an assignment flying them in the DC area. Thank you all for your support, good luck going where you want to!
Currently enlisted and stationed at Ramstein and hoping to go to the USAFA for the fall of 2023,would like to ask you a couple questions.What’s your email?
@@maxhuerta2070how’d it go?!
1.) I do not know the time frame or details on the green card, but I have had tons of enlisted friends that have done that. It’s awesome that they get citizenship through AF.
2.) I think you have an awesome chance being Hispanic! They will definitely look at the whole person concept, grades, extracurricular activities, PT.
3.) Jobs in the enlisted world are up to you. I have my biases and would avoid being a security force and services, just because you would have long workdays or work in a gym. But it is up to you. I was a water and fuel system in Civil Engineering, They also have carpenters, electricians, HVAC, and heavy equipment operators. I find it useful to find a job that you can use on the “Outside.” As far as being releasable you can choose any job and be fine.
4.) Enlisting is easy if you meet all the requirements. But if you are smart and graduated high school (or your equivalent) you should be fine. The first step I think for you is to find the steps right now and call up a recruiter. They are always happy to talk with a potential candidate and would probably be your most useful resource if that is what you want to do.
5.) I think your plan as you described it is realistic and very cool. But I think you should get in contact with a recruiter to confirm your plan is feasible first. I don’t think you may have a problem but I am no expert, but I do have friends and can try to get in contact.
Dude, I will say that this route is a long one in my opinion but I got a pilot spot and have made the best friends here. The academy is a weird middle ground between a military academy and a university so you will have to face a lot of competition for your time between them. I like the academy, it is not perfect, but it does have some of the coolest experiences like Jump (parachuting), Gliding, and international exchanges with other universities.
So motivating, I’m in hvac at Sheppard Air Force base definitely going to shoot for the academy.
Awesome Video!
Q: I haven’t currently signed up in order to join the AirForce but I will do so soon. I wanted to layout my entire plans in order to follow it for the next following years in order to ensure that I get in to USAFA. While applying, should I mention to the recruiter that I want to go down the LEAD route, or should I be waiting a couple of months after I’ve enlisted and made some impression? I’m 18 currently so I believe I have a decent amount of time until 22-23.
A: I’ll be honest, your recruiter probably won't care about you want to apply for LEAD, he might not even know about it. The most important people that need to know are your direct supervisor and your commander. Make it known to them ASAP. There is no minimum time for you to be in the AF to apply for LEAD but rather a minimum of people vouching for your character and ability to lead. I have friends that applied while in tech school and friends that have applied 4 years into their enlistment, just meet the age requirement of 23 Y/O your freshman year of USAFA.
Q: My other question is would retaking the SAT prove to be necessary? I’m not exceptional at testing and I have usually always do poorly on tests. I know I can prove my academics skill by taking a couple college classes during my enlistment, as I am positive that it was just a lack of motivation that set me back. Also, are there any specific college courses I should take in order to improve my chances and the minimum amount I should take?
A: retaking the SAT for me has been very helpful because the academy does what universities call super scoring, you take all the highest scores of each section of the ACT or SAT and compile them into your “best” scores. That being said I have taken the ACT four times and was able to keep my highest English section score from high school. For me, the more times I took the test the more chances of me having a higher score on each section.
Taking college classes will help build your case that you can handle college-level academics, take a math class, or something helpful for you to show that are able to. I took a math class, a speech class, foreign films, CLEP’ed fundamental leadership, and a couple others. Build your case and show evidence of how great you are regardless of your high school history.
You can apply as many times as you need to!
Currently enlisted, I just completed the application and all the requirements including the interview. Now I’m anxiously waiting to hear back, fingers crossed! Thanks for the video, it has been very insightful!
Good luck Haydar!
Did you hear back yet?
@@Bearsfan131 Yup, grateful to say I have been accepted! Class of 2025!
@@abrahamjosueriveratrejos5675 As a prior enlisted, sure having a good SAT score will greatly help your application, however it is important for the Academy to see how you have performed in the AirForce since joining. It would definitely help to partake in activities presented at your tech school and or duty station as well as volunteer for anything available. This will show the academy that you are willing to do more then you are given and help others under your own time. The academy does not look at just grades and academics but you as an overall person. Show that you are a great leader, show that you want to help others, show that you are willing to do the above and beyond and I doubt the Academy will overlook you.
Congrats @@Aarraann2233I am going to enlist with that dream in mind. Question for you, did you begin after how many years of being enlisted?
Good info, 2nd Lt. Duffy (I hope and assume). Hope your summer is going well.
Thanks Don, we made it and pilot training is next!
@@jamesduffy202 👍
Q: I wanted to know if the ASVAB exam score or the job you pick once in the Air Force can influence in any way the application process to USAFA?
Answer: They won’t care what AFSC, pick one that you wouldn’t mind doing and doing well. You need to be a high performer so keep that in mind. ASVAB will only matter for getting the job you want enlisting in the active-duty Air Force. USAFA won’t even bother looking at it.
Q: I'm afraid that once in, I would be denied access to this program by any decision I took prior to the enlistment process. Also, will the job you pick as enlisted become the same job you will need to study in the Air force academy?
Answer: That is a possibility, so pick a job you want. At the end of the day it is all moving your life forward and opening up possibilities you never had before, you can get education paid for while enlisted. The Job you pick enlisted will not matter in USAFA. When you make it into USAFA you pick whatever major you want.
Q: and the final question is: What happens when deployed? can you still ask your Sergeant or instructor, about this program and still be able to create and send your application?
Answer: you can apply while deployed, Just ask your leadership and work with the online application process. One thing is when you start this process it will put you into an undeployable status in case of the event of being accepted. I will be honest if you apply while deployed you may have difficulties in some parts of the application but I am sure it is doable with an internet connection which most deployed bases have, to include an education center.
what a great video man, it contained very helpful information, but I have a couple questions. What do you think is more important for your application process and your identity as a candidate who comes from enlisted personnel? Is the academy very strict with the SAT scores, or can you get accepted by just your outstanding physical condition? or for example, do they take more into account your performance in your air force job as enlisted (active duty)? What do you think is a very important element that we need to take into consideration?
As I mentioned already, thank you for the vid, and good luck with everything you do. : )
First of all, the fact that this is going to be about 2 years old and you're still replying, says a lot about you! Thank you for mentoring potential future LTs! My question is, I'm turning 22 this August, do I only have one shot left? And second question, if I do apply, knowing I only have one shot left and have to submit all before 31 Dec (deadline), what do I need to strengthen to get accepted straight into the Academy?
You have a shot at direct acceptance. the rule is that you must not have passed 23rd birthday by Jul of the year entering USAFA. So since you turn 23 next year, the prep school is out and you have one shot left. That being said, you should still apply and make sure you are able to finish all parts of the application process.
To strengthen your acceptance chance, have strong letters of recommendation, have a strong response in the essays, show that you take initiative in volunteering, and destroy the fitness test. Polish all the areas you have on the application, but if you are able to add some flagship volunteer things or classes/CCAF you have completed before that deadline do write it all down. If your SAT/ACT retake it... All that helps, they look at everything and they do account that it is your last chance at USAFA, so be hopeful.
Did you get accepted?
I hope prior enlisted are aware that the AFA is an elite university. If you're a 2.7 student you'll be competing against maybe 200 valedictorians with ACT scores of 32 and higher.
How were your SAT/ACT scores did those factor in ?
I'm turning 22 this Novemeber. No prior college, I'm wondering if this is a must. Also what I should be working on starting now?
How long do you have to be enlisted to apply for the Academy? I am a curious High school Senior.
Hey! I really appreciated the video it was very insightful. I am currently in the DEP (shipping out this December) and would like to get going on the application process to try and get into the Academy. Would it be possible for you to explain, or for me to contact you regarding when you retook your ACT/SAT and did a few college classes. I am 19, turning 20 next year and would like to do this as soon as possible to increase my chances of getting accepted. Thanks!
Hi Charis, you can google the test dates and find a local area near you that you can take it at. I did mine at the base when i was in, I looked up the dates and the education office was able to proctor it. I recommend finding available dates online and committing yourself to take it on that day as fuel to help you study.
I've been looking into the Academy. I'm enlisted right now and I'm about to head to my first duty station. Is there any way I can contact you to ask questions? The Academy has been a life long goal for me and I'm so worried I won't get in 😬
Hey Sam, send me an email if you still want to talk. j.duffy9@aol.com
Just a quick question. Current applicant here. Just curious as to what day you found out you made it?
i have been in the airforce for 6 months and have RTT on my plane until january im at my active squadren inprocessing rn im a c5 crew chief btw can i start the application now i feel like i might not have a chance with getting leadership to sign off when they dont even know me what should be the corret time frame and way to bring this up?
You can start the process now. You will need to show that you are of good moral character. I think you should bring it up with your supervisor, he's the one that will vouche for who you are. Let him know your intentions and be a good worker so that he knows he can bring you up confidently when he is asked about your application.
Hello I turn 23 on November 27, is it too late to apply to the academy?
And how to get promoted
Great video! It has always been a goal of mine to attend the academy especially since high school but haven’t had the grades to do so. Instead I went to community college and stayed focused, got a 3.8 cumulative in my certificate of fire science with 62 credits complete
Now I’m 19 years old and in the process of joining the Air Force, I still need to take my ASVAB and go to MEPS. When I’m in and finish basics and tech school I really hope I can work hard enough to apply for the academy with enough time before 23!
I’m glad you mentioned that being prior enlisted gives an advantage. That really puts my hopes up!
Are there any requirements for prior enlisted? Such as (being enlisted for a minimal amount of time before applying to the academy, or can I apply a couple months into my duty station or even a year or so?
Also to get on the right track for receiving appointment to the academy, what else can I do in the beginning of my enlisted career?
Again, I’m very happy I discovered this video, there isn’t much on the internet about prior enlisted to academy cadet. Thanks for being a great example for others with the same aspirations!
Sorry for being so forthcoming, especially since I’m not even enlisted yet or in the military and still in the process of applying.
Just an ambitious 19 year old kid hahah.
You are going to do great! I have known a couple people who have applied during their tech school, there is no minimum enlisted time to apply to the academy. I'm fact, the sooner you apply as an enlisted airman the more times you can apply before your maximum age with the option of going to the prep school. The only thing that you want to consider is being able to communicate with your leadership about your intentions, they are going to have to vouche for your character and ability. For example I applied right when there was a change of command for my squadron commander, the new commander wanted to see if I was fit for it before following through with the process. So, start your process ASAP, perform well, and make your intentions clear to your leadership. Good luck!
James Duffy thanks a lot for the information! Why wouldn’t more enlisted take advantage of this opportunity, to me it seems everyone would want to do this but I find it quite strange all the slots haven’t been filled
I don't know why. It could be that this program in particular is the long route to a commission, or they don't follow through with the application process. I think it is an amazing opportunity and while being a long route I am still glad I did it. If you want it and you take it serious, you will make it happen.
Hey James! I’m still in the process of enlisting, as a matter of fact I just completed my ASVAB and ended up with an 87! After setting up a timeline and looking at the academy deadlines, I realized I only have two shots at the academy through LEAD. I have a chance at prep school on the first shot, and directly into the academy on both the first and second try. A concerning factor to me is the SAT/ACT. While active duty, how frequent can we test? Also are test dates followed the same as civilian test dates or does the military follow there own standardized testing schedule? Are results also given immediately? or do you need to wait a couple of months just like high school students do. Thanks! I was also wondering to hear how your time at the academy is going this fall! Isn’t this your senior year? How is academy life and academics with COVID?
Currently enlisted and 21 however I have a early birthday (Jan) from my understanding the prep school is out the picture because I’ll be 23 by the time I enter the academy so my only shot will be to directly enter the academy ?
yes. start on it now. The rule is no older than 23 on getting in as a frosh. So get at it.
To apply for this program do you have to do a year of active duty then apply or can you start applying right after bmt ??
no minimum time
If I didn’t do great in high school and the few college classes I took weren’t great either should I wait a year and try to fix those grades or should I go ahead and apply?
My acts were 22 across the board and my grade point average in high school was a little higher than yours I think. However, I took some college classes while in high school and I didn’t juggle them very good. I know I can do better but I wasn’t very motivated in high school
@@Johnny360guy I think you should work hard to prove that you can do well in academics. At the end of the day, you are working against the odds but if you are persistent you can land a spot at the prep school.
Hey sir, I would like to ask you further questions ; any way to contact you by email ?
You can email me at j.duffy9@aol.com
Hey I want to take the same process as you can u possible get in contact wit me so we can chat more about what steps I should take
J.duffy9@aol.com
Just to be completely clear I wouldn't have to finish out my contract as enlisted to do LEAD?
No need
Hey, I am a high school senior about to graduate. I was rejected by USAFA but still want to go and I was told by a West Point ALO that reapplying from college is not going to do me any favors. I have good grades (3.8 GPA 1350 SAT) and was accepted to several good universities but I know if I want to go to USAFA that LEAD would offer me the best chance of getting in. Do you have any advice for me? Was being much older when you graduated worth the extra time?
Depends on what you want, it's tricky because you don't want to put your life on pause for a chance of getting in. Going to some college, starting, then reapplying is a great option. That way you can strengthen your package a little more and move forward with a trajectory. Also, academies make note of people applying multiple times, a second attempt may help. You could enlist and go that route, it is long and a whirlwind of basic, tech school, and PCSing somewhere, but if you are all about it go for it. It really is what matches your plans. I was enlisted for almost four years with a couple college credits and was able to get in before 23. I enlisted to get out of my current situation and to help pay for college, the academy was the next best thing at the moment and it worked out. I do not think age plays a major factor in their selection other than being a hard cutoff, so the sooner the better IMO. Also, give the prep school a chance, it's a great way of getting in.
@@jamesduffy202 I think enlisting is the best option for me because the colleges I got in to are military colleges and I wouldn’t have much time freshman year there to boost any aspects of my application other than academics.
If I got to the seminar my junior summer would that be a good thing to help me get in
It is a good experience for you and you meet great people that are also excited, overall good experience. But do not expect going to a seminar to significantly impact your chances of getting in. It better gives you an in-person feel if you actually want to go.
I have one question though. What is the minimum time you have to be enlisted to apply? or can you apply during your first year as being enlisted ?
No minimum!
I would like to get in contact with you!
Can prior enlisted get into the academy directly without prep school?
Yes, happens frequently. The majority will go through the prep school, there ar 5-15 direct entry per class. It varies.
I just finished BMT as an enlisted airmen. When can I apply for the LEAD program?
I haven't started BMT yet, but I still want to know when can I start asking about my candidate form or process
you can start now. But keep in mind that your leadership will have to be able to vouch for you. So know that having that leadership backing for the entire time frame of the application process would be beneficial to your success. For example, if you are at a training base for only 2 months, it would probably be a good thing to get somewhere where you can have a consistent leadership backing for the time of the application. Also to note is that when you put in your Form 1786, I believe it will put you at an undeployable status for the time of the application. The details on how that affects your ability to PCS I do not know.
@@johnnyyoutube8663 Ask anytime, once you have an application process started you are assigned an advisor that you can communicate with.
I’m in the Navy, do I need to cross branch to the AF in order to apply?
Yes you would, but if you are in the Navy I'm sure the same program exists for you to get into the Naval academy.
@@jamesduffy202 i got my ged am i screwed and should just enlist when i can or is it possible for me to get accepted
@@StefonStewart I think you're not screwed. Build your case that you are capable of doing college courses, have a great work ethic, apply as many times to get in. you can do it, just may need to show some more convincing to the application staff that you are capable.
@@jamesduffy202 alright
can you still apply if you have more time on active duty
The age limit to get in is 23. So as long as you can meet that requirement.
Also, if you have time left on your enlistment it doesn't matter. The prep school will count as time for that enlisted time in service, but will stop while at USAFA. You're status will become student and trump any prior enlisted time frame. I still got re-enlisting emails while attended USAFA, my commitment ran out, but it didn't matter because of my status. It's a little confusing and I still don't fully understand it. Good luck.
Do prior enlisted have to redo the basic training? What are the formations and drills like? Thanks!
Yep, I did one for going to the prep school and then one for entering the academy. It's all the things you do in BMT.
@@jamesduffy202 i dread having to do all of that over again 💀 did the academy work like tech school with phases and more freedoms the more you progress?
@@grantham4866 yep its a gruel. Freshman is the most restrictive, Sophmore you are a real person again, Junior you get a car, Senior you run the show. there are good videos about each year on YT.
Speaking of cars, I’m wanting to buy one now but don’t know if I’ll make enough in the academy to make the payments. I understand in prep school that you still make enlisted pay, but do you get any extra while a cadet for being prior enlisted? And would it really have been feasible to make car payments during the academy with how much you have to spend on school related things?
Air Force Personel Channel has helpful and accurate info pertaining to the LEAD program: th-cam.com/video/0zzUOv7iyLc/w-d-xo.html
I’m a junior in high school and I’m looking to apply for the class of 2025🤘
Keep it up! Do well in school, it all counts. Also join clubs and get involved outside of school work, they like will rounded individuals.
same here, c/o 25' !!
Did y'all make it in?
James Duffy Im working on my candidate application right now!
James Duffy Me too! Hopefully I’m able to submit my application no later than November.
what is the question for essay ?
For me it was:
1. describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you faced, how did you resolve it, how did it affect you, and what did you learn about yourself (400-500 word)
2. What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, or special talents that you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and USAFA? (400-500 word)
3. Provide additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400-500 word)
@@jamesduffy202 thank u
So question when I get to second lieutenant can I promote fast when I went to lead program
Or what is the maximum get promoted
@@unknown8996 This is a commissioning program that takes 4 years, the time to get a bachelor's degree. You can commission elsewhere but you need to have a 4-year bachelor's degree completed along with a commissioning source. 2nd LT to 1st LT is time in service across the board, so ROTC and USAFA officers will promote in similar time frames. The payoff of going to USAFA is the number of connections you make within the Air Force may be beneficial to you down your career when you share the connection with people for going to USAFA.
Act or Sat scores?
I found that the ACT was easier for me. They accept both and will super score, meaning they will take your highest scores from each section. So if you take the test twice they will pick the highest scores.